Paul Newman guides his Jack Roush-owned Ford Mustang through the infield road course at Daytona International Speedway during the Rolex 24. (Photo by ISC Images. Archives via Getty Images)
Rolex’s Daytona is more than just a watch; it’s a cultural touchstone that has transcended its roots as a racing chronograph to become a symbol of style, achievement, and precision. Worn by icons like Jay Z, Victoria Beckham, and Michael Jordan, the Daytona has built a reputation that few other timepieces can rival.
Yet, no one’s connection to the Daytona runs deeper than that of the late Paul Newman— Academy Award-winning actor, race car driver, and enduring cultural icon.
Newman’s Rolex Daytona Ref. 6239, featuring its white dial, black subdials, and distinctive red “Daytona” lettering, is now the stuff of legend. It wasn’t just a watch he wore; it became an extension of his personality— effortlessly cool and eternally sophisticated.
Actor Paul Newman, likely photographed while competing at the NASCAR Permatex 200 Modified race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, on February 15, 1974. (Photo by TV Times/TV Times via Getty Images)
That association reached its peak in 2017 when Newman’s personal Daytona sold at auction for a staggering US$17.8 million, setting a record that reinforced its status as one of the most legendary timepieces ever made. However, the Daytona’s road to fame was far from smooth. Introduced in 1964, it was designed specifically for motorsports enthusiasts, featuring a tachymeter bezel for measuring speed and a robust chronograph movement.
But it struggled to find an audience in its early years. Its manual-winding movement was seen as outdated in an era when competitors, like Omega, were releasing automatic chronographs. Additionally, its racing- focused design alienated casual buyers who preferred the slim profiles of dress watches or the practical versatility of dive watches like Rolex’s own Submariner.
Compounding the Daytona’s challenges was the success of Omega’s Speedmaster, which had gained iconic status as the “Moonwatch” after accompanying NASA astronauts to the lunar surface. While the Speedmaster captured imaginations with its ties to space exploration, the Daytona lacked such a groundbreaking narrative. What it did have, however, was Paul Newman.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.
Newman’s passion for motorsports and his undeniable charisma gave the Daytona a story of its own—one rooted in the thrill of racing and the allure of adventure. Unlike the Speedmaster’s celestial achievements, the Daytona’s appeal was more grounded, tied to earthly pursuits of speed, precision, and understated elegance.
As Newman’s image grew, so did the Daytona’s reputation, evolving from a slow seller to a must-have timepiece.
By 1988, Rolex introduced the first automatic Daytona, powered by a modified Zenith El Primero movement. This change marked a significant turning point. The El Primero was widely regarded as one of the best automatic chronograph movements of its time, and its inclusion in the Daytona elevated the watch’s technical credentials. Collectors took note, and demand for the Daytona began to soar.
Twelve years later, Rolex replaced the Zenith-based movement with its own in- house Caliber 4130. This updated movement offered improved accuracy, an extended power reserve, and a simplified yet more robust design, further solidifying the Daytona’s status as a technical marvel.
Over the decades, the Daytona has continued to evolve while staying true to its roots. Its balanced design, clean lines, and harmonious proportions ensure it remains timeless, whether crafted in steel, gold, or platinum. Each iteration retains the essence of the original while offering modern updates that keep it relevant to new generations of collectors and enthusiasts.
The Daytona’s success also mirrors the rise of motorsports as a global phenomenon. Since the watch’s launch, the motorsports industry has grown into a US$188.2 billion market, a testament to Rolex’s foresight in aligning the Daytona with the world of racing.
Today, the watch is as much a part of motorsport culture as the roar of engines and the thrill of the track.
Paul Newman (No. 70), in the Roush Ford Mustang, finished 3rd overall and 1st in the GTS class, with co-drivers Tommy Kendall, Michael Brockman, and Mark Martin. (Photo by ISC Archives/CQ-Roll Call Group via Getty Images)
From its humble beginnings as a niche product to its status as a global icon, the Daytona exemplifies Rolex’s commitment to innovation, precision, and timeless design. It is a watch that has not only stood the test of time but has become a defining symbol of what it means to excel.
At its core, the Daytona is more than just a tool for measuring speed—it’s a testament to the pursuit of excellence, on and off the track.
This legacy, fueled by the charisma of Paul Newman and Rolex’s relentless drive for perfection, ensures that the Daytona remains as relevant today as it was when it first appeared six decades ago.
It is not just a watch; it’s a piece of history that continues to inspire collectors, racers, and dreamers alike.
This article was first published in The Peak Malaysia’s February 2025 issue.
